What is it that you think of when you hear ‘summer’? One can only think of holidays, hill-stations, family, friends, back-packing, photographs and fun! Summer vacations are the best part of the year for most of us. And while we wait endlessly for this time of the year to arrive, it would be helpful to draft a list of all the summer-friendly destinations in India.
Considering India as a humongous-sized country, there are ample places to visit in summer. Varying from the northern hill-stations to the southern back-waters, India remains to be a delightful country to explore.
15 Best Places To Visit In Summer In India With Your Family
Thus, categorising each part of the country, here is a list of 15 best places to visit in summer in India:
1. Manali
Manali is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations in India. Situated to the extreme north of India, Manali caters to families, honeymooning couples, friends and even school trips.
Places To Visit: Rohtang and Solan Valley, Jogini Waterfalls, Hadimba Temple, Bhrigu Lake, Vashisht Hot-water Spring, Van Vihar Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa Monastery
Where To Eat: The Johnson’s Café & Hotel, Chopsticks Restaurant, Sunshine Café
How To Reach: The best way to indulge in Manali’s beauty is by taking a road trip.
However, you can also choose to travel:
By Air: Bhuntar Airport (50 km from Manali)
By Rail: Una (245 km from Manali) on broad gauge
2. Ladakh
Ladakh is breathtakingly scenic and one of the best places to visit in summer. With great weather supporting travellers, you can plan an adventurous itinerary and challenge your folks to a trek or camping night-out.
Places To Visit: Pangong Tso Lake, Hemis National Park, Shanti Stupa, Khardung-La Pass, Zanskar Valley, Diskit Monastery.
Where To Eat: Leh Zakhang, Jalsa Restaurant, Zomsa Restaurant
How To Reach: If you have more days in hand, choose a road trip for sure. Otherwise, you can travel by:
By Air: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh
By Rail: Jammu Tawi Railway Station (700 km from Ladakh)
By Road: You can hire a cab or board a JKSRTC bus to Ladakh
3. Rishikesh
Known to be the ‘Yoga Capital’ of the world, Rishikesh is all things spiritual and meditative. From temples to yoga studios and from white water rafting to the popular Ganga Aarti, this remains to be one of the best summer destinations to explore.
Places To Visit: Triveni Ghat, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Ram & Lakshman Jhula.
Where To Eat: Little Buddha Café, Chotiwala, Prem’s Namaste Café, Top-Top Restaurant.
How To Reach:
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport (35 km from Rishikesh)
By Rail: Haridwar Railway Station (25 km from Rishikesh)
4. Nainital
Nainital is a quaint & cosy town nestled amidst snow-covered mountains. Known for its peace and quiet, it is one of the best summer vacation places in India. With zero pollution and a cool atmosphere, the place is a sure bet!
Places To Visit: Raj Bhavan, Tibetan Market, Naina Devi Temple, Nainital Zoo, Naini Lake, Snow-point.
Where To Eat: Nanak Restaurant, Sakley Restaurant and Pastry, Giannis Restaurant, Zooby’s Kitchen.
How To Reach:
By Air: Pantnagar Airport (65 km from Nainital)
By Rail: Kathgodam Railway Station (34 km from Nainital)
5. Spiti Valley
Spiti Valley is a photographer’s paradise. From star-gazing to adventure walks and from treks to overnight camping, Spiti Valley is one of the most upcoming summer holiday destinations.
Places To Visit: Key Monastery, Langza, Chandratal Lake, Kunzum Pass
Where To Eat: Sachin Kunga Restaurant, Sol Café, Café Kunzum Top, Dragon Restaurant.
How To Reach:
By Air: Bhuntar Airport (245km) & Chandigarh Airport (522 km) from Spiti
By Rail: Jogindernagar Railway Station (360 km) & Shimla Railway Station (416 km) from Spiti
By Road: Spiti Valley is around 235 km away from Shimla and opting for a car-ride is the best way! Brownie points: It is the only way to get the most picturesque photographs.
6. Srinagar
Srinagar has been popular for its Bollywood shootings, Shikara rides, cosy weather and natural beauty. Also, considered as one of the best summer destinations in the world – I say, go for it!
Places To Visit: Dal Lake, Jama Masjid, Shalimar Bagh, Dachigam National Park, Shankaracharya Hill.
Where To Eat: Krishna Vaishno Dhaba, Shamyana Restaurant, Latitude Restaurant, Ahdoos Restaurant.
How To Reach:
By Air: Srinagar Airport
By Rail: Udhampur Railway Station (229 km from Srinagar)
7. Auli
Auli is a hill-station that is tucked away into northern India and is known for its delicious local food, snow-peaked mountains and several sight-seeing options. One of the best places to visit in summer in India, I say you should make a trip to this newbie.
Places To Visit: Chattrakund Lake, Joshimath, Auli’s artificial lake, Auli’s Ski-hotspot
Where To Eat: Kailash Foods, Hatu Restaurant, Chinatown
How To Reach:
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (279 km from Auli)
By Rail: Haridwar railway station (273 km from Auli)
8. Munnar
Munnar is like a paradise and one of the highest peaks in Kerala. With lush green tea-gardens, delicious South-Indian cuisine and an engaging culture – this hill-station is one of the best places to visit in summer.
Places To Visit: Attukal Waterfalls, Echo Point, Tata Tea Garden
Where To Eat: Silver Spoon Restaurant, Mayabazar, Mahindra & Mahindra
How To Reach:
By Air: Cochin Airport (74 km) from Munnar
By Rail: Alwaye Train Station (120 km) from Munnar
9. Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is Tamil Nadu’s pride and one of the best places to visit in summer in India. With a beautiful lake on the top, pine-trees coated all over and popular eating-joints that are beautifully laden all over this hill-station is worth visiting.
Places To Visit: Kodaikanal Lake, Lake View Point, Kurinji Andavar Temple
Where To Eat: Lake View Restaurant, Astoria Veg Restaurant, The Tredis Tea Room
How To Reach:
By Air: Madurai Airport (135 km) from Kodaikanal
By Rail: Dindigul Railway Station (56 km) from Kodaikanal
10. Andaman & Nicobar
These twin islands are one of the best places to visit in summer. From pristine beaches to a great local life, this destination is laid back and perfect to unwind with the family.
Places To Visit: Barren Island, Elephant Beach, Havelock Island Corbyn’s Cove
Where To Eat: Calcutta Sweet Stall, Hotel Sai Restaurant, Carbyn’s Cove Beach
How To Reach:
By Air: Port Blair Airport
By Water: You can choose from a variety of ships or personal yacht services
11. Udaipur
The city of lakes is one that is dipped in royalty too. With some of the best heritage properties in the world & the most luxurious hotels in India, Udaipur should definitely be on your check-list!
Places To Visit: City Palace, Jagmandir Island Palace, Lake Pichola, Saheliyon-ki-Bari
Where To Eat: Ambrai Haveli, Kabab Mistri, Bawarchi Restaurant, Raaj Bagh
How To Reach:
By Air: Udaipur Airport
By Rail: Udaipur Railway Station
12. Goa
Goa is known to be one of the best places to visit in summer. From clean beaches to pubs and from delicious restaurants serving Goan food to hukka parlours, this tiny destination is the perfect place to unwind, enjoy and relax with your family.
Places To Visit: Basilica of Bom Jesus, Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Fort Aguada, Vagator Beach
Where To Eat: Fisherman’s Wharf, Antares Beach Resort, Martin’s Corner
How To Reach:
By Air: Goa Airport
By Rail: Madgaon Railway Station & Vasco da Gama Railway Station
13. Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is one of the best places to visit in summer in India. Known to be the strawberry haven, this hill-station has several activities to engage in, great places to eat at and serves as the perfect destination to spend quality time with your family.
Places To Visit: Mapro Garden, Elephant’s Head Point, Pratapgad
Where To Eat: Farmhouse Bistro, Rajdhani Thali, Little Italy, Mapro Garden, Bagicha Corner
How To Reach:
By Air: Pune Airport (130 km) from Mahabaleshwar
By Rail: Wathar Railway Station (60 km) & Pune Railways Station (121 km) from Mahabaleshwar
14. Great Rann Of Kutch
The Rann of Kutch is one of the best summer vacation places in India. Known for its desert that turns into a white field of salt, it remains to be one of the most visited natural sites by global travellers. One shouldn’t miss an opportunity to view this sight in person.
Places To Visit: Kandla Port, The Desert, Dholavira, Kutch Museum
Where To Eat: The Café Irani, Nexus Club & Convention Center, Rasoi Restaurant
How To Reach:
By Air: Bhuj Airport (47 km) from Kutch
By Rail: Bhuj Railway Station (80 km) from Kutch
15. Lonavala
Lonavala is a popular hill station in Maharashtra. Known for its roadside Maggi stalls, corn vendors and chikki (Indian snacks) shops, this destination is a chilled-out town to visit during the summers.
Places To Visit: Bhushi Dam, Pawna Lake, Adlabs Imagica, One Tree Hill Point
Where To Eat: Sunny Da Dhaba, Panchavati Gaurav, Hotel Fariyas
How To Reach:
By Air: Mumbai Airport (93 km) from Lonavala
By Rail: Lonavala Railway Station
Precautions & Safety Tips
- Always carry a medical kit. Better to be safe than sorry. In case travelling for long hours causes you motion sickness, try out these simple remedies to get instant relief
- Pack a few extra pairs of clothes. Just in case of an unforeseen emergency
- Research about your stay and surroundings before you reach
- Pack all essential cosmetics and do not forget your sunblock!
- Invest in a multi-purpose knife, you never know when you’ll need it
